Howler Radio

This is a story about perennial losers who finally figured out how to win—and then basically didn’t stop winning for years and years. Looking back from 2016, it's undeniable that Spain’s brand of high-possession, high-pressing tiki taka has influenced global soccer to an astonishing degree. But on the eve of Euro 2008, the national team’s head coach, Luis Aragonés, had a decision to make: would he play to his squad’s strengths and unleash what has turned out to be the most dominant midfield in the history of the game, or go for a safer, more conventional style of soccer that might not win any trophies… but then again, who really expected Spain to win a trophy? We know the answer. With hindsight, it seems inevitable. But travel back with us to 2008 and relive the tournament in which the Spaniards first showed the world what they could do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Going into Euro ’92, Denmark wasn’t a favorite to win the tournament. They weren't even expected to play in it. But when Yugoslavia began to fall apart, its team was barred and Denmark brought in as a replacement. What followed was one of the unlikeliest runs through a major tournament in the history of soccer, or, really, any sport. Written by Gaby Kirschner. Performed by Anatol Yusef. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Decades before he became a fat-cat football executive (and got banned from soccer), Michel Platini was known as one of the game’s greatest players—and his utter domination of Euro 84 was perhaps the most triumphant moment in a glittering career. But Platini was only one member of France’s enchanting midfield. Le Carré Magique, as it was known, also included Tigana, Giresse, and Fernandez. Under the guidance of a manager who was unafraid to bet on the talents of his three playmakers, the French stormed through the tournament, reaching a climax in the semifinal with Portugal. Historic moments flatten with time; we might recollect a headline, a couple of grainy highlights, and the name of the team that won the final. Howler Radio’s five-part Euro Miniseries is a vehicle for traveling back over the decades and reliving some of these foundational events in world soccer as they happened. Welcome to Euro 84. Written by Dominic Bliss. Presented by Anatol Yusef, who is currently starring in Preacher on AMC. (You

Che Che Vidal loves football. And the internet. One of these things nearly got him killed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Angry Kilmarnock Fan is very angry. This banging dance anthem celebrates his anger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When my mate Rory was a kid he shouted abuse at legendary England midfielder Ray Wilkins in the middle of a crowded street. Now he wants to apologize. In this episode we also discover what makes the angriest man in Kilmarnock tick. Warning: The language in this one is very Scottish, and very coarse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our intrepid reporter embarks on an epic journey to discover the origins of the Panenka penalty kick—a subtle yet audacious technique that turns players into either heroes or goats. It's a quest that him to the fringes of North America's professional game, a raucous stadium in Ireland, where a cocky journalist makes a fool of himself, and a continental final in Belgrade where the audacious penalty balances significant social and political implications as it is introduced to the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a mash-up of two older stories that we released a while back. One is about a fan who lived every football fan’s dream when he was subbed on to play for the team he supports–the other is about a guy who played in a professional game in a dream-like state because he was high on valium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this classic episode, we travel back to the year 2000, when Luis Figo did the unthinkable: he moved from Barcelona to Real Madrid. In 2002, on a return trip to the Camp Nou, he found that the blaugrana faithful had turned the ground into what we’ll politely call a hostile working environment, turning out to be one of the most memorable Clásicos in years. Our correspondent, Danny Scott, bribed his way into the stadium that night and now, 12 years later, recounts the story to his fiancé over a bottle of wine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have ever wondered what it’s like to experience a US-Mexico game at Estadio Azteca, this episode will give you a taste. Howler contributor Robert Andrew Powell takes us behind the fencing and riot police to witness the USMNT’s historic road win over El Tri in August 2012. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A little preview of season 2 of Howler Radio that will feature the Panenka, sexy Landon fanfic, and Daring to Zlatan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices